Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) defended Fox News from the Democratic National Committee’s decision to ban them for the 2020 primary debates during his interview on CNN Monday morning.

“I want to ask you about the DNC decision not to hold debates on Fox. You go on Fox, you’re interviewed by the folks over at Fox. Do you think that was the right decision from the DNC,” CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota asked.

“Well, with all due respect to the DNC, no, I don’t think it was the right decision,” Himes replied. “You know, look, it’s no surprise to anybody, including the Fox News watchers that Fox is largely an instrument of the right wing of the Republican Party. It’s a propaganda arm for the White House. However, and the reason I go on Fox, is that it’s watched by millions and millions of Americans.”

Himes said because of Fox News’ large audience, he gets to talk about what the Democrats want for America in front of an audience that may not hear about otherwise.

“But it’s interesting, Congressman, since you believe it’s a propaganda arm for the White House, but you’re trying to get your ideas out there and you think that you need to speak to the Fox audience, have you ever seen your interviews move the needle,” Camerota followed up.

“Well, you know, one of the secrets, not so secret secrets about television, of course, is that they say that, you know, 70 percent of the impression that is formed is formed with the — with the volume off. And, you know, again, I think our candidates will make a far better impression with the volume off,” Himes said.

“So, look, you know, a debate is a very carefully orchestrated thing. I go on Tucker Carlson, I go on Fox & Friends, it can get uncomfortable because when they don’t like where you’re going they cut you off, they go somewhere else, they throw a lot of the nonsense out there,” he continued. “But a debate is a very highly structured moment, right? It is in some senses fair. It’s not like, you know, Sean Hannity can jump in and challenge Bernie Sanders. So, again, with all due respect to the DNC, that’s a huge audience.”